Kirkbride Plan

During the mid-1800s, Dorothea Dix was part of a large reform movement to help construct better institutions for people suffering from mental illness. The first hospital to be built under the Kirkbride Plan was the New Jersey State Lunatic Asylum.

Thomas Story Kirkbride developed the ideals based on moral treatment of humans. Most of the floor plans featured long wings staggered so each would receive fresh air and sunlight as well as promote privacy and comfort for the patients at the hospital. Each building would have a curative effect according to Kirkbride.